Date: 06-23-1998

Case Style: Barry Murray, et al. v. General Manufactured Housing, Inc.

Case Number: A98A0559

Judge: Jackson

Court: Superior Court, Ware County, Georgia

Plaintiff's Attorney: Douglas L. Givson of Gibson & Spivey, Waycross, Georgia

Defendant's Attorney: Kenneth R. Carswell of Howard, Carswell & Bennett, Jesup, Georgia

Description: Premises liability - workman fell through a skylight while installing sprinker pipes. GMH contracted with Patterson Roof Colling to install an evaporative roof cookikng system for its plant. Patterson subcontracted with Murray Plumbing for some plumbing work. GMH's roof was comprised of metal panels interspersed with fiberglass panels. As Murray, an experienced master plumber, was up on the roof installing sprinker pipes, she suddently plunged through a fiberglass skilight. Murray suffered catastrophic injuries included a crushed skull fracture and a severe brain injury. His medical bills exceeded $285,000 at the time of trial. Evidence at trial indicated that the metal roof where Murray was standing may have failed causing him to step backward onto the skylight.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for unknown sum.

Plaintiff's Experts: Don Halperin, Ph.D., Florida, civil engineer.

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: None